Engineering and environmental consulting firm RSK Group, in collaboration with the Orkney Islands Council, is undertaking a comprehensive ground investigation project for the Orkney Community Wind Farms initiative. RSK’s business unit, Central Alliance, is playing a key role in determining the design parameters for turbine bases and associated site infrastructure.
Scheduled for completion at the end of January 2024, the surveys conducted by Central Alliance will culminate in detailed reports outlining the project’s findings. Leveraging the expertise of various RSK companies, including Water Research Centre, Ian Farmer Associates, Envirolab, and Drilling Supplies UK, Central Alliance aims to provide crucial data that will contribute to the informed decision-making process for wind farm infrastructure design.
Given the peatland nature of the investigation site, the Central Alliance team implemented low ground pressure bearing equipment and custom-built a sledge for efficient transportation of drilling plant around the site.
Benjamin Swallow, Director of Central Alliance, emphasized the importance of the data collected in shaping decisions for the development of the community project. The collaboration seeks to make a significant contribution to the planning and execution of the Orkney Community Wind Farms.
Orkney Islands Council’s Acting Strategic Projects Director, Chris Purnell, highlighted the vast wind resources in the region and the potential for significant financial benefits to local communities. The completion of groundwork investigations for Quanterness and Hoy represents a substantial milestone in advancing the Orkney Community Wind Farms project, aligning with local and national net-zero targets.
